Sun Mar 16 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Formula 1 Season Kicks Off with Major Shakeup: Norris Favored in Australian Grand Prix

**Melbourne, Australia** – The 2025 Formula 1 season begins this Sunday with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit, featuring a dramatically altered driver lineup. Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari triggered a chain reaction, resulting in ten driver changes across the grid.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured pole position, is the favorite to win the race, according to betting odds. He’s priced at +145, followed by Max Verstappen (+240), Oscar Piastri (+380), and George Russell (+1100). Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut, is a longer shot at +1900.

SportsLine’s predictive model, which boasts a strong track record of accurately forecasting race outcomes, including all 26 of Verstappen’s wins since 2023 and several of Norris’s victories, has released its predictions for the Australian Grand Prix. The model is highlighting a surprise surge for a driver with double-digit odds and predicting a top-two finish for Verstappen (+150), who is aiming for a fifth consecutive world championship title. Verstappen won the 2023 Australian Grand Prix and finished the 2024 season strongly, winning two of the final four races.

The race starts at midnight ET on Sunday. Fans can find the complete SportsLine model projections and betting advice online. Note: Gambling is subject to applicable laws and regulations; please gamble responsibly.

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